Eels Blogs

Replies

• • 

    Hector Bob Down > ParramattaLurker March 17, 2026 at 4:48pm

    And Dear Mr Butler is in the bunker 
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      TolEllts > Hector Bob Down March 17, 2026 at 6:16pm

      Butler the wanher in the bunker. This bloke had redefined what backward and forward meant.
• Eli Stephens March 17, 2026 at 4:36pm

  Penisni out for 4 weeks, but Samrani did a decent job last week. Should be fine 
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    Muttman > Eli Stephens March 17, 2026 at 4:51pm

    Good chance for Samrani to make a statement. With Russell leaving there's plenty of spots up for grabs in the Eels backline.
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  Prof. Daz March 17, 2026 at 4:58pm

  Has Williams actually played lock before? Will there be a switcharoo and Hopgoode plays lock and Williams prop?
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    LB > Prof. Daz March 17, 2026 at 5:02pm

    Much of muchness really i guess. Williams, when starting for Cronulla, primarily played Lock.
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      Prof. Daz > LB March 17, 2026 at 5:15pm

      Both Hopgoode (vs Storm) and Doorey (trials, Broncos game) have played the middle ball distributor role. I've yet to see Williams play it at Eels. 
      I suspect a switcharoo
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        JC > Prof. Daz March 17, 2026 at 5:43pm

        Don't be surprised if it's jnr paulo that plays that ball distributer role, he was fantastic doing it for Samoa last year.
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        LB > Prof. Daz March 17, 2026 at 5:48pm

        Or maybe Ryles prefers to have a hard running Lock. But Williams played Lock a fair bit at Cronulla. But Paulo ball plays anyway in the middle so doesn't really matter.
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  Prof. Daz March 17, 2026 at 5:11pm

  Stats across Round 1-2 show DeBellin missing just one tackle per game from 40+ attempts. But few runs or passes. Let's grant that Tuilagi's excellent game against the Broncos probably forcing himself into the team. 

  Does DeBellin to the extended bench and Williams to lock suggest JR thinks he will get more out of Williams' 40 mins in the middle than Debellin's?